While it may not be as impressive as Mt. St. Helens or the Yellowstone Caldera, the Dotsero Crater is still worth checking out. A large, deep crater in the hills is not something you come across everyday on the Western slope of Colorado. With it’s ease of access, and vast network of trails, the Dotsero Crater makes for a fun side-trip, or destination campsite with great views of the surrounding mountains.

I found myself with an afternoon off and uncertain schedule the following day (typical life of a raft guide, I suppose). I could go pedal around Glenwood, or even do some studying at the library, but I was getting a little too stir crazy for that. With the Thomas Lakes trailhead only an hour out some gravel roads and double track, I figured it would be a good time to finally reach the summits of Mt. Sopris.

With opposite schedules and minimal time off work this Summer, Cicely and I haven't been able to get out much. But, a window of opportunity popped up, and we fled the Roaring Fork Valley for a quick trip over the mountains to Crested Butte. Here are some of the highlights: